Sinn Féin’s National Chairperson Declan Kearney MLA said today that his party had a “very positive and worthwhile” meeting today with the Welsh Language Commissioner, Meri Huws on language rights issues. Mr Kearney and party colleague Máirtín Ó Muilleoir MLA led a party delegation to meet the Commissioner this morning in Belfast. Ms Huws is in Belfast to launch a new document compiled by Conradh na Gaeilge in relation to local government.

Mr Kearney said:

“I am delighted we had the opportunity to meet with Welsh Language Commissioner Meri Huws today, to discuss important language rights issues.

“Meri has plenty of experience in language development and in terms of defending language rights. It was our pleasure to have these conversations with her.

“It was a very valuable and positive meeting.

“We discussed the current strength of the Welsh Language and the significant achievements of the language community in Wales over recent decades.

“We also discussed the current challenges facing the Welsh Language; and Meri shared her expertise regarding the statutory provisions for language in Wales.

“We also outlined our concerns about the continued denial of language rights in the north. We informed Meri of the negative impact of the DUP and British government’s ongoing refusal to deliver language rights and equality.

“We reaffirmed to her Sinn Féin’s commitment to resolving these issues and to deliver an Irish Language Act in the north.”